Forge Cottage, Guiting Power

Forge Cottage is a lovely Cotswold stone property, located in the heart of the quintessential English village of Guiting Power. The character filled cottage, including a cosy, roaring fire, is perfectly located for exploring the beautiful Cotswolds region.

Forge Cottage

Summary

Forge Cottage is a lovely Cotswold stone property, managed by the neighbouring Guiting Guest House. The cottage is in the centre of the beautiful and peaceful village of Guiting Power, which is surrounded by the stunning countryside of the North Cotswolds. The well known market towns of Stow-on-the-Wold and Bourton-on-the-Water are both approximately six miles away and the cottage is well placed for exploring the entire Cotswolds region.

The cottage has been enhanced by its current owners, whilst maintaining its traditional character, including wooden beams and floors, and a real fire. The character of the cottage is complemented by its modern facilities, including wireless internet access, a flatscreen TV with DVD player, and a well presented kitchen.

The cottage sleeps a maximum of five guests (one on a sofa bed), in two bedrooms, with two bathrooms. Quiet on street parking is freely available. Forge Cottage is an ideal retreat for friends, couples or a family, looking for a peaceful getaway in a beautiful village.

Description

The front door of Forge Cottage opens into a small hallway, off which are the following rooms:

Living/dining room: A large, characterful room, with wooden beams and floors, and a real fire. There is comfy seating for five and a large wooden dining table, with seating for six;

Kitchen: The good sized kitchen contains an electric oven and hob, microwave, fridge, freezer, dishwasher, kettle and toaster, plus a small table and a couple of chairs.

Stairs lead up from the hallway to the first floor landing. The following rooms are on the first floor:

Master bedroom: A large bedroom, containing a super king size bed and a sofa bed on a raised platform. There is an en-suite bathroom, with a walk-in shower, toilet and wash basin;

Bedroom 2: Contains a double bed;

Family bathroom: Contains a bath with overhead shower, toilet and wash basin.

There is a small, enclosed patio area outside the front door of Forge Cottage, with a table and chairs in the warmer months of the year, and guests are also welcome to use the neighbouring garden of the Guiting Guest House.

Key Features

Booking and payment

Character Cottages is a marketing agency and we do not own or manage any of the cottages listed on our website. Bookings made via us form a legal agreement directly between you and the property owner.

For bookings commencing more than 12 weeks in advance, a 30% non-refundable deposit is required to confirm the booking. The balance payment is then due 12 weeks prior to arrival.

All payments are made subject to the cancellation policy set out in the standard Booking Conditions.

Security deposits

A security deposit of £150 is payable, which is returned after the letting period, subject to an inspection of the property. For the avoidance of doubt, guests are requested to leave the property in a reasonable condition, consistent with the property's appearance upon arrival. In the event that the owners, or their appointed housekeepers, have to spend additional time tidying up after your departure, then the cost of this extra time may be deducted from your security deposit. The security deposit is payable prior to arrival at the property, via a bank transfer or a valid debit or credit card.

Occupancy

The maximum occupancy of the property, including its grounds, is five guests (including infants in cots), at any point during your stay. Unauthorised over occupancy is a breach of our terms and conditions and may result in the cancellation of your booking and additional charges. Please consult us prior to booking if you wish to discuss the possibility of having more than five guests at the property.

Pets

Regrettably, pets are not accepted.

Bed linen and towels

Bed linen and towels are provided for guests.

Arrival and departure times

Arrival time is after 4pm and departure time is by 10am.

Access will typically be provided by the property's owner, however, there is also a key safe, therefore it does not matter if you are arriving late at night.

Bed sizes and configurations

Bedroom 1: Super king size bed and sofa bed

Bedroom 2: Double bed

Bathrooms

Family bathroom: Bath with overhead shower, toilet and wash basin;

En-suite bathroom: Walk-in shower, toilet and wash basin.

Heating, fuel and logs

The property has an electric storage central heating system. Electricity is included in the rental price.

An initial basket of logs is provided for the real fire and further supplies can be purchased locally.

Services provided

The property has free wireless internet access and a TV with a DVD player. Please note that the wireless signal strength is not very strong.

There is no telephone at the property and guests should note that the mobile phone reception in the property is variable.

Use of a washing machine and a tumble dryer is possible via arrangement with the owners, as these facilities are at the adjoining Guiting Guest House. The first use of these facilities is free of charge and all subsequent washes are subject to a fee of £5 per use, payable directly to the owner.

Parking

There is free, quiet on-street parking available by the village green, next to the property.

Housekeeping

Where a letting exceeds nine nights, a mid-stay clean, bed linen and towel change may be included in the price. Please check with us to confirm. Additional housekeeping services may be available on request.

Child friendly facilities

A travel cot (without linen) and a high chair are provided.

Initial consumables

A small quantity of initial consumables is provided for your convenience (eg. tea, coffee, sugar, milk, biscuits, bread and butter, dishwasher tablets, toilet rolls, cleaning products, etc), however, you should not expect the quantity of these provisions to be sufficient for the duration of your stay.

Accessibility, health and safety

This is an old property and has character features, including narrow and steep stairs, and two floors, which could pose difficulty to guests with limited mobility, or carrying babies, both in terms of their general movement and their ability to quickly exit the house in the event of an emergency.

The smoke detectors operate on a sound only basis and, therefore, those who have serious impairment of hearing may not be able to hear the alarm systems and could be at risk.

Owners

Forge Cottage is a self-contained cottage, which is part of the Guiting Guest House building, where the owners live.

Smoking

No smoking is permitted throughout the property.

Photographs

In order to provide you with as much detail of our properties as possible, we sometimes use wide angle photography, which can make certain rooms, or spaces, appear larger than they actually are. Wherever possible, we try to include a floorplan, with detailed dimensions of rooms and areas. If you have any queries regarding the size of any rooms or spaces, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Guiting Power and The Cotswolds

Guiting Power

The quintessential Cotswolds village of Guiting Power lies on a tributary of the river Windrush, its russet-coloured houses clustered round a sloping green, providing a perfect example of how the English village can seem to have been carved from the earth it is built on.

This delightful village is a fascinating example of the unconscious harmony created by Cotswold masons over the centuries. The cottages, shops and inns are all beautifully cared for, with many of the buildings being owned and restored by a housing trust, initially set up for twelve cottages in 1934. The church of St. Michael to the south of the village has an exceptionally fine Norman south doorway.

Road congestion in Guiting Power

Guiting Power is unusual for a village its size, in having a Post Office, a village hall, a children's nursery, a bakery, village shop and two public houses.

A number of glorious walks can be taken in the area around Guiting Power, north-westwards to Guiting Woods, south-eastwards down the Windrush Valley to Naunton, or south-westwards to Hawling, with the Hollow Bottom Inn and The Farmers Arms providing welcoming places to relax at the end of these walks.

The Cotswolds Farm Park, made famous by the BBC's Countryfile programme, is near to Guiting Power, with its many rare breeds of animal making it a favourite destination of families.

Bourton-on-the-Water

The village of Bourton-on-the-Water (or “Bourton”) is famous for its picturesque High Street, flanked by long wide greens and the River Windrush that runs through them. The river is crossed by several low, arched stone bridges, which have led to Bourton being called the “Venice of the Cotswolds”. Bourton is regularly voted the prettiest village in the Cotswolds.

Despite only being classified as a village, Bourton’s status as a major tourist destination means that it has numerous shops, pubs, restaurants, cafes and tourist attractions.

One of the Bourton’s long standing traditions is the playing every summer of a game of medieval football, with goalposts set up in the River Windrush itself. Two teams play with a standard football and a referee attempts to keep order. Crowds line the banks of the river, and the aim is to score as many goals as possible (whilst getting everyone else as wet as possible!).

Various long-distance footpaths and local walks start, finish or pass through Bourton, including the Windrush Way and the Heart of England Way, which begins its 100-mile route north in the village.

Stow-on-the-Wold

Sitting elegantly in the middle of the world famous Cotswold’s countryside, Stow-on-the-Wold is the quintessential English market town. Stow is a natural and historic meeting place, with a fine selection of 16th century Cotswold stone shops, luxury hotels, chic bistros, inns, elegant manor house hotels and cosy teashops.

Along with Moreton-in-Marsh and Bourton-in-the-Water, Stow is one of the best known of the small Cotswold towns. It is the highest point in the Cotswolds, standing on top of an 800 feet hill, and is situated at the meeting place of seven roads, including the Roman Fosse Way, which runs from Exeter to Lincoln in an almost straight line.

Iron Age people were the first to settle in Stow, but there is also evidence of earlier settlements in this part of the Cotswolds, as Stone Age and Bronze Age burial mounds are common throughout the area. The first name of the town was Stow St. Edward or Edwardstow after the town's patron saint Edward, probably Edward the Martyr.

Stow-on-the-Wold in the 21st century looks quite a lot like Stow-on-the-Wold in the 17th century. It is the hub and service town for a rural community, but has maintained its traditional character. Stow is largely a town of small independent businesses, rather than the large chains that make many towns in England look the same.

It is this traditional character, and therefore individuality, combined with the beautiful honey-coloured Cotswold stone buildings, that make Stow so popular with tourists looking for ‘picture-postcard’ England. The town’s tourist trade makes it possible for Stow to support many more good hotels, B&B’s, pubs and restaurants than most other towns with a population of around 2,000.

Stow has been famous for many years as a centre for the antiques trade and in the last few years clusters of art galleries and fashionable clothing shops have added further character to the town centre.

The Cotswolds

The Cotswolds are a range of hills in west-central England, sometimes called the "Heart of England". The name Cotswold means "sheep enclosure in rolling hillsides".

The Cotswolds are characterised by attractive small towns and villages, built of the underlying Cotswold stone (a yellow oolitic limestone). In the Middle Ages the wool trade made the Cotswolds prosperous and some of this money was put into the building of churches, leaving the area with a number of large handsome Cotswold stone "wool churches". The area remains affluent, which has encouraged the establishment of many high quality pubs, restaurants and antique shops.

Cotswold towns include Bourton-on-the-Water, Broadway, Burford, Chipping Norton, Cirencester, Moreton-in-Marsh, Northleach, Stow-on-the-Wold, Stroud and Winchcombe. The town of Chipping Campden is notable for being the home of the Arts and Crafts movement, founded by William Morris at the end of the 19th and beginning of the 20th centuries. William Morris lived occasionally in Broadway Tower, a folly, now part of a country park. Chipping Campden is also known for the annual Cotswold Olimpick Games, a celebration of sports and games dating back to the early 17th century. Famous places close to the Cotswolds include Stratford-upon-Avon, the birthplace of William Shakespeare, Cheltenham, home to the famous horse racing festival, and the beautiful university city of Oxford.

The Cotswolds is the largest Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in England and Wales. Whilst the beauty of the Cotswold AONB is intertwined with the villages that seem to almost grow out of the landscape, the Cotswolds were primarily designated as an AONB for the rare limestone grassland habitats as well as the old growth beech woodlands that typify the area. These habitat areas are also the last refuge for many other flora and fauna with some so endangered they are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. The uniqueness and value of the Cotswolds is engendered in the fact that five European Special Areas of Conservation, three National Nature Reserves and over 80 Sites of Special Scientific Interest are contained within the Cotswold AONB.

Information on things to do in the Cotswolds is provided in the Activities tab and places to eat and drink are listed in the Food & drink tab.

Food & Drink

There are a number of well-regarded pubs and restaurants located a pleasant walk or a short drive away from the property, including:

The Hollow Bottom, Guiting Power (www.hollowbottom.com): This 17th Century pub is nestled deep in the 'hollow' of Guiting Power, a picturesque village right in the heart of the Cotswolds. This quaint old stone pub has a wide mix of customers - young and old, unknown and famous, the latter including jockeys, trainers and racing commentators. The relaxed and informal beamed bar has plenty of atmosphere, lots of racing memorabilia and a winter log fire. The public bar is also equipped with newspapers, darts, board games and always has racing on the TV. There are tables out the front of the pub for those sunny days and a lovely beer garden out the back, complete with children's play area. There is a separate dining room from the bar or you can eat in the bar itself.

The Farmers Arms, Guiting Power: The Farmers Arms, Guiting Power: A great "locals" village pub, owned by the neighbourhood Donnington Brewery, where the local shepherds and craftsmen mingle with walkers and tourists. It has a traditional long bar, with a welcoming log fire in winter months, and a large garden. The pub offers great beer and traditional home-cooked food. It also has a skittle alley doubling as a function room when necessary.

The Black Horse Inn, Naunton (www.theblackhorsenaunton.co.uk): At the heart of the picturesque Cotswold village of Naunton, The Black Horse Inn has been serving excellent beers and delicious home cooked food to both locals and visitors for more than one hundred years and retains much of its original charm and character. The bar still has its original flagstone floors and you can be assured of a welcoming fire during the winter - you are also likely to be welcomed by one of the friendly pub dogs!!

Bourton-on-the-Water

Bourton has a variety of places to eat and drink, including cafes, tea rooms, pubs and restaurants, with a range of prices to suit all budgets. The list below is a small sample of the options available:

The Chester House Hotel and The Croft Restaurant (www.chesterhousehotel.com): Breakfast, morning coffee, lunches and evening meals in a riverside restaurant. You can enjoy freshly prepared, local produce throughout the day and night, with seasonal specials added to the menu daily.

The Duke of Wellington (www.dukeofwellingtonbourton.co.uk): A local village inn aiming to provide fresh home cooked food with a friendly service. There is a light snacking menu, a full menu and a wonderful range of desserts and hot beverages. As well as daily home cooked specials, on Sundays you can enjoy a traditional carvery with all the trimmings from 12-6pm.

The Mousetrap Inn (www.mousetrap-inn.com): A traditionally run Cotswold stone Inn, with a history dating back to the building of the railways in the 18th Century. Serving home-made food, along with fantastic, locally brewed real ales.

The Village Restaurant & Tearooms (www.thevillagerestaurant.co.uk): Traditional, home cooked food in a friendly atmosphere, overlooking the river Windrush, in the heart of Bourton-on-the-Water.

Stow-on-the-Wold

Stow has numerous places to eat and drink, with a range of cuisines and prices to suit all tastes and budgets. The list below is a small sample of the range of options available:

The Queens Head Inn (http://donnington-brewery.com/pub_queenshead.php): The Queens Head is a traditional town pub, owned by the local Donnington brewery. Here locals mix with tourists who are unsurprisingly attracted into this lovely old pub. Good traditional pub food and ale, in a great atmosphere.

The Conservatory Restaurant at The Grapevine Hotel (www.thegrapevinehotel.com): Contemporary fine dining. Diners sit beneath the century old Black Hamburg grapevine, from which the hotel derives its name. The menu is a blend of modern British cooking, offering an extensive choice of dishes, to suit the most discerning tastes.

The Talbot (www.thetalbot.net): Laid back drinking, eating and coffees in a traditional meeting place for the town slap bang in the Square. Sofas, original paintings, rickety old tables and chairs, with staff who are under the threat of death if they are not friendly!

White Hart (www.whitehartstow.com): A 'boutique' style Inn, which has recently been beautifully refurbished throughout. The Inn boasts two cosy bars, lots of open fires and an atmospheric dining room. Hearty food is served during the day, with finer dining in the evening. All food is sourced locally and prepared on the premises.

The Bell (www.thebellatstow.com): The Bell at Stow is the perfect country pub. Behind the ivy-clad façade lies a charming, stylish interior with the warmest of welcomes. A favourite with the locals, The Bell is open all day every day offering everything from a pint of well-kept cask ale through to a delicious three-course supper. Friday evenings are legendary for the Champagne Happy Hour at 5pm - grab a seat if you can as the weekend gets off to the perfect start!

Stow has a Tesco and a Co-op for regular food purchases and, for special treats, there is a traditional butcher's shop and a number of delicatessens specialising in local produce, including:

Hamptons Fine Foods (www.hamptons-hampers.co.uk): Hamptons offer a wide range of quality foods to discerning customers. The shelves are packed with exclusive and delicious fine foods that one would not normally find in the mass outlets. A veritable Aladdin's cave. Hamptons specialise in gourmet hampers which can be collected from their shop or delivered direct.

North Cotswolds

There are many excellent places to eat and drink in the wider North Cotswolds area, with the major towns of Stow-on-the-Wold, Bourton-on-the-Water, Moreton-in-Marsh, Chipping Campden, Broadway, Burford and Chipping Norton containing a wide variety of tea shops, pubs and restaurants, catering for most tastes and budgets.

The list below focuses on the traditional Cotswold pubs located in the lovely villages throughout the North Cotswolds:

We recommend phoning in advance, to check opening times and availability of food, especially during the quieter months of the year. Many pubs accept children and dogs, but you should always check this in advance.

Activities

There are numerous tourist activities in and around the Cotswolds and the list below is a small sample to give you a flavour for the wide range of attractions and activities that are available. Further information is available from Tourist Information centres, which are located in the following North Cotswold towns:

Stow-on-the-Wold

Bourton-on-the-Water

Moreton-in-Marsh

Woodstock

Broadway

Chipping Campden

Burford

Chipping Norton

Historical buildings, stately homes and gardens

Batsford Arboretum & Wild Garden, Moreton-in-Marsh GL56 9AB (www.batsarb.co.uk): Set in 56 acres of natural beauty and once home to the famous Mitford family. Meandering paths wander through glades and alongside streams. A garden of peace and tranquillity for all seasons;

Berkeley Castle, Berkeley GL13 9BQ (www.berkeley-castle.com): England’s oldest inhabited castle. Over 24 generations of Berkeleys have transformed a savage Norman fortress into a stately home full of treasures. Learn about murder, mystery and plotting, then enjoy the grounds, adjacent Butterfly Farm and church;

Blenheim Palace, Woodstock OX20 1PX (www.blenheimpalace.com): A World Heritage site and the birthplace of Winston Churchill, Blenheim Palace is one of the finest private houses in England. It is surrounded by over 2,000 acres of spectacular Capability Brown parkland and award-winning formal gardens;

Broadway Tower Country Park, Broadway WR12 7LB (www.broadwaytower.co.uk): A unique Capability Brown Folly Tower open to visitors wanting to experience great English heritage in an inspiring location. Displays, roof viewing platform, shop and Red Deer Park are a must for Cotswold visits. Broadway Tower is one of England’s outstanding viewpoints and offers unrivalled views over a 62 mile radius and as many as 16 counties;

Broughton Castle, Banbury OX15 5EB (www.broughtoncastle.com): This historic 14th century moated castle, enlarged in the 16th century, has fine walled gardens with herbaceous borders, old roses and clipped box. Inside boasts splendid plaster ceilings, fireplaces and panelling. Described as "the most romantic house imaginable", Broughton Castle has won starring roles in many films, including The Madness of King George and Shakespeare in Love;

Chastleton House, near Moreton-in-Marsh GL56 0SU (www.nationaltrust.co.uk/chastleton): A rare gem of a Jacobean country house, Chastleton House was built between 1607 and 1612 by a prosperous wool merchant, as an impressive statement of wealth and power. Owned by the same increasingly impoverished family until 1991, the house remained essentially unchanged for nearly 400 years as the interiors and contents gradually succumbed to the ravages of time. With virtually no intrusion from the 21st century, this fascinating place exudes an informal and timeless atmosphere in a gloriously unspoilt setting.

Hailes Abbey, near Winchcombe GL54 5PB (www.english-heritage.org.uk/hailes): Set in the beautiful western fringe of the Cotswolds surrounded by wooded pasture, the Abbey was one of the main centres of pilgrimage due to a phial said to contain the blood of Christ. The museum displays fine examples of sculpture and decorated tiles;

Hidcote, Chipping Campden GL55 6LR (www.nationaltrust.org.uk/hidcote): Relax and unwind in one of the country's great gardens and experience for yourself the fulfilment of a quiet American's English fantasy. You'll never forget the exquisite garden rooms, each with its own unique character. Discover rare shrubs and trees, herbaceous borders and unusual plants from around the world. The garden changes in harmony with the seasons, from vibrant spring bulbs to autumn's spectacular Red Border. Nestled in the Cotswolds with sweeping views across the Vale of Evesham, a visit to Hidcote is inspirational at any time of year;

Painswick Rococo Garden, Painswick GL6 6TH (www.rococogarden.org.uk): The garden is situated in a hidden Cotswold valley. Its flamboyant design combines formality and informality and is a magical experience at any time of the year. Charming garden structures nestle next to informal plantings, herbaceous borders and a striking kitchen garden;

Rodmarton Manor, Cirencester GL7 6PF (www.rodmarton-manor.co.uk): Attractive Arts and Crafts House with original hand made furniture, painted pottery, wall hangings. A large garden of outdoor rooms with many parts including topiary, herbaceous borders and plenty of places to sit;

Snowshill Manor & Garden, Snowshill WR12 7JU (www.nationaltrust.org.uk/snowshillmanor): Explore the treasures collected by one man with an eye for the unusual. Be intrigued by the story of Charles Wade, be amazed by his huge and varied collection from around the world and relax in the peaceful hillside garden;

Sudeley Castle, Winchcombe GL54 5JD (www.sudeleycastle.co.uk): Once the property of King Ethelred the Unready, later home of Queen Katherine Parr and garrison headquarters of Prince Rupert during the Civil War. Romantic ruins, award-winning gardens and one thousand years of fascinating history are among the many reasons to visit;

Sulgrave Manor, near Banbury OX17 2SD (www.sulgravemanor.org.uk): The ancestral home of the Washingtons in Britain. A compact Manor House - a gentle stroll through three centuries of English history in the company of a friendly and informative guide. The largest UK collection of George Washington memorabilia, demonstrating the British contribution to the origins of the USA, with a separate exhibition on George's life and career in the US;

Upton House & Gardens, Near Banbury OX15 6HT (www.nationaltrust.org.uk/uptonhouse): Presented in its 1930s heyday, this handsome country mansion contains world-class art collections. Delve into the story of a millionaire’s life, hear stories, play games, relax and read magazines or journals. Wander through the beautiful gardens, with sweeping lawns, terraced borders and a kitchen garden which supplies the restaurant;

Westonbirt, The National Arboretum, Tetbury GL8 8QS (www.forestry.gov.uk/westonbirt): Spectacular all year round, the Forestry Commission’s National Arboretum contains one of Europe’s finest collections of trees and shrubs. 17 miles of paths to explore, it is a magical place to visit for the whole family. Famous for its beautiful displays of autumn colour, a popular place to visit in spring for the flowering rhododendrons and in the summer for the Festival of the Tree.

Wildlife

Birdland – Park & Gardens, Bourton-on-the-Water GL54 2BN (www.birdland.co.uk): A natural setting of woodland, river and gardens inhabited by over 500 birds; flamingos, pelicans, penguins and cranes in various water habitats. Over 50 aviaries of parrots, hornbills, toucans and many more. Discovery Zone (indoor education area) and Marshmouth Reserve (2.5 acre nature reserve). Take time to wander and relax in this tranquil environment. Plus Penguin Café, picnic areas, play area and gift shop. The only group of King Penguins in England;

Cotswold Falconry Centre, Moreton-in-Marsh GL56 9AB (www.cotswold-falconry.co.uk): Eagles, hawks, kites, owls, vultures and falcons are flown throughout the day giving you a chance to appreciate their speed, grace, agility and their close relationship with the falconer. You can enjoy these wonderful birds and think positively about their conservation;

Cotswold Farm Park, Guiting Power GL54 5UG (www.cotswoldfarmpark.co.uk): As featured on BBC’s Countryfile, this is a rare farm treat for all the family, offering the chance to meet over 50 breeding flocks and herds of farm animals. Seasonal demonstrations, adventure playground, Touch Barn, Fun Barn, Maze Quest and Jumping Pillows. Gift shop and Cotswold Kitchen;

Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens, Burford OX18 4JW (www.cotswoldwildlifepark.co.uk): The Park is set in 160 acres of parkland and is an attraction for all members of the family. There are over 250 species of animals from Leaf-cutting ants to White rhinos; giraffes were a major addition in 2010. You can walk with lemurs in the Madagascar enclosure, ride on the train and be inspired by the beautiful landscaping and seasonal displays throughout the Park;

Longleat Safari Park, Warminster BA12 7NW (www.longleat.co.uk): As featured on BBC’s Animal Park, Longleat is a “must do” for visitors of all ages! From Safari Park to Safari Boats, Hedge Maze to Adventure Castle and so much more.

Museums

Corinium Museum, Cirencester GL7 2BX (http://coriniummuseum.org/): Discover the ‘Treasures of the Cotswolds’ at the award-winning Corinium Museum. Trace the story of the Cotswolds from pre-history to the 19th century. See what life was like in Corinium, Roman Britain’s second largest town. Come face to face with Anglo-Saxons. Something for all the family. Also home to Cirencester Visitor Information Centre;

Roman Baths, Bath BA1 1LZ (www.romanbaths.co.uk): Around Britain’s only hot springs, the Romans built the finest religious spa in Northern Europe. This great temple and bathing complex still flows with natural hot water and its extensive remains lie beneath the centre of Bath. Brand new displays, costumed characters and free audioguides in 8 languages.

Other attractions

Cheltenham Racecourse, Cheltenham GL50 4SH (www.cheltenham.co.uk): One of Europe’s top racecourses, hosting the three day Open Meeting and the four day Festival in March. The Centaur is the region’s largest facility for exhibitions, conferences and concerts;

Clearwell Caves, near Coleford GL16 8JR (www.clearwellcaves.com): An incredible natural cave system tunnelled into by miners for more than 4,000 years in their search for iron ore and ochre pigments. Nine impressive caverns with mining equipment and displays throughout. ‘A great underground experience’ for all the family;

Cotswold Water Park, South Cerney GL7 5TL (www.waterpark.org): Explore this watery landscape, with loads of lakes, offering watersports, fishing, birdwatching and much, much more. Call in to the Gateway Information Centre to discover where to go and what to do;

Daylesford Organic Farm, near Kingham GL56 0YG (www.daylesfordorganic.com): The Harrods of farm shops! One of the most sustainable farms in the UK, located in 2,000 acres of beautiful countryside of the English Cotswolds, owned by Sir Anthony and Lady Bamford. Award-winning food in the farm shop and café and a host of things to see and do: farm tours and farm walks, cookery school and organic farm school, and relaxing treatments at the Hay Barn Spa;

Gloucester Antiques Centre, Gloucester GL1 5SF (www.gacl.co.uk): Gloucester Antiques Centre is one of the largest and longest established antiques centres in the UK. Over 100 specialist antiques dealers offering the widest range of antiques and collectables in the West of England. Enjoy light lunches, homemade cakes and refreshments in the café;

Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway, Toddington GL54 5DT (www.gwsr.com): The ‘Friendly Line in the Cotswolds’ offers a scenic 20 mile round trip between Toddington and Cheltenham Racecourse, including the exciting Greet Tunnel, one of the longest on a preserved railway. Pop along and see the driver in his cab. Break your journey at picturesque Winchcombe station. Special events all year;

Oxford: Renowned for its history and heritage, exquisite architecture and ancient University, Oxford sits in the heart of England, just outside the Cotswolds;

The Model Village, Bourton-on-the-Water GL54 2AF (www.theoldnewinn.co.uk/village.htm): A model of the actual village built of Cotswold stone to 1/9 scale in 1937. The River Windrush flows under Bourton’s famous bridges. The beeches, cherries and chestnuts are all in miniature. Music in the churches and of course, the model of the model;

Stratford-upon-Avon: The birthplace of William Shakespeare and home to the Royal Shakespeare Company. Set in the beautiful rural Warwickshire countryside, on the banks of the river Avon, Stratford is one of the most important tourist destinations in the UK.

Activities

Walking: Most people who visit the Cotswolds do some walking, even if it is just a stroll to the village pub! The area contains some of England’s most beautiful countryside and there are over 3,000 miles of public footpaths, to enable visitors to fully discover this rich landscape. Long distance trails in, or passing through, the Cotswolds include:

The Cotswold Way;

The Heart of England Way;

The Oxfordshire Way;

The Gloucestershire Way;

The Wardens' Way and Windrush Way;

The Macmillan Way;

The Monarchs Way;

The D'arcy Dalton Way;

The Wysis Way.

Further information and maps can be obtained from the local tourist information centres.

Cycling: The Cotswolds is criss-crossed with quiet country roads and lanes, as well as more challenging mountain biking terrain, making it perfect for all types of cycling. There are a number of places to hire bikes from, including:

Spas

Cotswold House Hotel & Spa, Chipping Campden (www.cotswoldhouse.com): Set in a converted coach house in the gardens, the Cotswold House Spa features treatment rooms, a superb hydrotherapy pool and Turkish hammam room;

Wyck Hill House Hotel & Spa, Stow-on-the-Wold (www.wyckhillhousehotel.co.uk): Six therapy rooms, including one dual room. There is also a 12-seater steam room and sauna and relaxation area;

M Spa at Lapstone, Chipping Campden (www.mspa.so): Spoil yourself with the most progressive, comprehensive range of spa facial, bath and body experiences that deliver the most amazing results every time. Indulge in signature treatments to reconnect body, mind and soul, from head to toe and from outside in.

Guest Feedback

Forge Cottage was launched as a Holiday Let with Character Cottages in December 2013 and is in the process of building up customer feedback. With its outstanding presentation and ideal location, we have little doubt that this property will be a favourite with guests.

- "Thank you very much for a great Christmas at the cottage. It was perfect for us and in a brilliant location. It is a lovely cottage and we thoroughly enjoyed our stay. We received a genuine welcome at the cottage – and also at the local post office, shop, pub and the Christmas Day service at the church! Lovely cottage, lovely village. Thank you!" - December 2013

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